Open

An Autobiography

De: Andre Agassi

Narrado por: Erik Davies

From Andre Agassi, one of the most beloved athletes in history and one of the most gifted men ever to step onto a tennis court, a beautiful, haunting autobiography.

Agassi’s incredibly rigorous training begins when he is just a child. By the age of 13, he is banished to a Florida tennis camp that feels like a prison camp. Lonely, scared, a ninth-grade dropout, he rebels in ways that will soon make him a 1980s icon. He dyes his hair, pierces his ears, dresses like a punk rocker. By the time he turns pro at 16, his new look promises to change tennis forever, as does his lightning-fast return. And yet, despite his raw talent, he struggles early on. We feel his confusion as he loses to the world’s best, his greater confusion as he starts to win. After stumbling in three Grand Slam finals, Agassi shocks the world, and himself, by capturing the 1992 Wimbledon. Overnight he becomes a fan favorite and a media target.

Agassi brings a near-photographic memory to every pivotal match and every relationship. Never before has the inner game of tennis and the outer game of fame been so precisely limned. Alongside vivid portraits of rivals from several generations - Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer - Agassi gives unstinting accounts of his brief time with Barbra Streisand and his doomed marriage to Brooke Shields. He reveals a shattering loss of confidence. And he recounts his spectacular resurrection, a comeback climaxing with his epic run at the 1999 French Open and his march to become the oldest man ever ranked number one.

In clear, taut prose, Agassi evokes his loyal brother, his wise coach, his gentle trainer, all the people who help him regain his balance and find love at last with Stefanie Graf. Inspired by her quiet strength, he fights through crippling pain from a deteriorating spine to remain a dangerous opponent in the 21st and final year of his career. Entering his last tournament in 2006, he’s hailed for completing a stunning metamorphosis, from nonconformist to elder statesman, from dropout to education advocate. And still he’s not done. At a US Open for the ages, he makes a courageous last stand, then delivers one of the most stirring farewells ever heard in a sporting arena.

With its breakneck tempo and raw candor, Open will be listened to and cherished for years. A treat for ardent fans, it will also captivate listeners who know nothing about tennis. Like Agassi’s game, it sets a new standard for grace, style, speed, and power.

©2009 Andre Agassi (P)2009 Random House

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Insightful [and] exceedingly well-written . . . [Open] has the cadence and plotting of a good novel . . . The raw energy and emotion throughout are pure Agassi.” (Newsday, Top 10 Books of 2009)

“Surprisingly candid . . . The baseline bad boy serves up his harrowing anecdotes with the same force he put behind every on-court ace.” (Entertainment Weekly 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2009)

“Bracingly devoid of triumphalist homily, Agassi’s is one of the most passionately anti-sports books ever written by a superstar athlete.” (The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2009)

Good hearing experience

It’s a sincere and genuine confession. Good to know the inside world and mind of a top class tennis player.

Incredible!

I was hooked from the first paragraph. This book is an eye opening journey through Agassi's life and is thought process through it all.

A fine listen !

it was just a really good ,honest and funny at times , true life story.......,,... and I'm sad it's over.

Any Sports Fan Will Love This Book

Amazing story about Andre's journey. For someone who says he really doesn't enjoy tennis he sure did accomplish a great deal during his career.

Inspiring. Captivating. Heartwarming. Funny.

This is a wonderfully well written - and I would add - designed book. For a 55 y/o daughter of tennis aficionados and players, this trip down memory lane was such a treat! The title says it all: Agassi opened up his heart and soul to his ghost writer who manages not only to understand profoundly but also to share with the reader this soulful, deep evolution of one human with so many of the intricacies that it inevitably entails. It his touching, inspiring, it is fun to listen to and has power. Power to humble, power to help heal or step up, power to impose self-examination... Wonderful read. Thank you M Agassi. From my heart.

5 stars.

Unforgettable. So well written. Never wanted it to end. This book is a sojourn. Don’t miss it.

fantastic

couldn't keep myself away from this book. As the title suggests the dialogue in this book is very open.

Fantastic

What a fantastic insight to how the media can portray an individual vs. what's really going on. Just such a good read. At first you want to slap him and get tired of his excuses, but he adapts, adjust, and creates a life he wants. Great read!

excellent book with heart

I loved this book and am not a tennis player. Andre really opens up and the pace and progression is well done. I found myself wanting to know more and felt connected with him as he lives his life with the struggles he undergoes.
you know it's a good book it you are left wanting more and find yourself Googling him and the people around them to see what they are up to. highly recommend

So good!

I really enjoyed this bio. You don't have to be a tennis fan to enjoy or relate to this book. Told with great details and a good flow